Kearney Fire Department is Using Basketball as Training Method

The Kearney Fire Department is using basketball as a training method that might help save someone's life in the future.

Oxygen control is one of the most important skills to have when entering a burning building. However, it is hard to simulate how long an oxygen tank will last in a real world situation; playing basketball at full speed helped firefighters find their limits.

"The deeper you get into that fire, you have to be able to get out. So you will have to be able to control how much air you're using so you have enough air to get back out," explained Fire Chief John Sydow.

The firefighters played ten straight minutes with no timeouts while wearing full equipment, which weighs about 70 pounds.

The crew thinks this was a fantastic practice idea.

"We only get about 15 to 20 minutes to do a good rescue or good knockdown -- potentially save property or lives," said Bryan Chase.